Infections Are Being Caused by Raw Oysters From Mexico

Infections Are Being Caused by Raw Oysters From Mexico

So far, restauranteurs in California and Nevada have fallen sick.

On May 22nd 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced they are investigating a multi-state outbreak of gastrointestinal illnesses linked to raw oysters harvested from Estero El Cardon estuary in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

One U.S distributor of these oysters has already issued a voluntary recall of the product, and Estero El Cardon has been closed to further oyster harvesting, pending investigation.

Mexican public health authorities are aware of the problem. They have requested all raw oysters distributed from the last week of April through to the first week in May to be recalled.

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How bad is the outbreak? So far, 16 people hailing from five U.S states have fallen ill after consuming the raw oysters. No has died, but two people have been hospitalized, with some people infected with more than one pathogen. Obviously, the infections are causing a good deal of discomfort. 

To date, the contaminated oysters have been consumed both at home, and in restaurants in California and Nevada. Symptoms of those infected include:

  • Diarrhea (that may be watery or bloody)
  • Stomach cramps or pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever

Infections involved the pathogens Vibrio, Shigella, norovirus, STEC, and Campylobacter and have begun 1 to 4 days after eating the oysters. People have generally been ill for about 1 day to 1 week, and have have recovered.

According to the CDC you should contact your doctor immediately if you have:

  • Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
  • Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
  • Bloody stools (poop)
  • Prolonged vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down
  • Signs of dehydration, such as:
    • Making very little urine
    • Dry mouth and throat
    • Dizziness when standing up

For more on this multi-state outbreak, click here.

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